Two former Arizona Cardinals players will reveal other clubs’ Day 2 draft selections.

In an exciting twist to this year’s NFL Draft, two former Arizona Cardinals players have been chosen to help announce the Day 2 draft picks for other teams. The pairing of veteran NFL talent with the draft process brings a fresh energy to the annual event and underscores the league’s ongoing commitment to celebrating its history and connecting past players with future stars.

The players in question? Alan Faneca, a former All-Pro offensive lineman, and Antoine Bethea, a versatile safety who played over 14 seasons in the league. While they both spent significant portions of their careers with the Arizona Cardinals, their legacies extend far beyond the desert. Their inclusion in the draft coverage represents a bridge between the past and future of the NFL.

Alan Faneca: A Hall of Fame Presence

Alan Faneca’s name is well known in NFL circles, especially for his dominant play on the offensive line. After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998, Faneca established himself as one of the most decorated guards of his era. A nine-time Pro Bowler, six-time First-Team All-Pro, and a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, Faneca’s career spanned 13 seasons with the Steelers, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals.

Faneca’s decision to retire after the 2010 season didn’t mark the end of his impact on the game. Instead, it was just the beginning of a new chapter. His legacy continued to grow through his Hall of Fame induction in 2021, a testament to his dominant presence at the line of scrimmage.

Faneca’s involvement in the NFL Draft process on Day 2 is a natural extension of his love for the game and desire to see young talent succeed. His role in revealing draft picks adds a layer of expertise and gravitas to the proceedings, and his relationship with the Cardinals is just one of many chapters in a career that continues to inspire players in the trenches.

Antoine Bethea: A True Defensive Leader

While Alan Faneca made his mark in the trenches, Antoine Bethea was a stalwart in the secondary. A fourth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2006, Bethea’s professional career spanned 14 seasons with the Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and Arizona Cardinals. His steady presence on the field was paired with an exceptional ability to read the game, making him one of the most respected safeties in the NFL during his time.

A Pro Bowler in 2007 and a Super Bowl champion with the Colts in 2006, Bethea was known for his consistency, leadership, and football IQ. He played in over 200 games in his career and remained a reliable contributor to every team he joined, including the Cardinals. Bethea’s ability to communicate with his teammates and organize the defense was a key reason why he remained effective for so many years.

Bethea’s transition from player to ambassador of the game has been seamless. In the years since his retirement, he has been involved in mentoring younger players and providing guidance on how to excel in the NFL. As a former Cardinal, Bethea brings a level of relatability and insight to the draft process that can resonate with the next generation of players coming into the league.

The Role of Former Players in the Draft Process

Having former players reveal draft picks, particularly on Day 2, adds an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the event. Day 2 of the NFL Draft traditionally consists of the second and third rounds, where teams are selecting players with significant upside who can make an immediate impact or develop into future stars. These picks are critical to the long-term success of franchises, and having former players involved provides a sense of connection and continuity between the past and the future.

Faneca and Bethea’s participation represents a growing trend in which the NFL highlights former players as ambassadors who shape the future of the game. As the draft continues to evolve into a spectacle that brings together fans from all over the world, incorporating past legends into the process adds a human touch to what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming event.

A Historic Link to Arizona’s Football Legacy

Both Alan Faneca and Antoine Bethea spent meaningful portions of their careers with the Arizona Cardinals, and their inclusion in the 2025 NFL Draft celebrations holds particular significance for the franchise. The Cardinals, one of the oldest teams in the NFL, have a rich history and passionate fan base, and both players were crucial figures in some of the team’s most memorable seasons in recent years.

For Cardinals fans, seeing these two legends reveal picks for other teams might feel like a nod to the organization’s place in the NFL’s rich tradition. While neither Faneca nor Bethea won a Super Bowl with the Cardinals, their time in Arizona contributed to the team’s competitiveness and its ability to groom talented players. The Cardinals have long been known for their resilience and determination, values that both Faneca and Bethea embodied throughout their careers.

Faneca’s leadership on the offensive line helped pave the way for running backs and quarterbacks, and Bethea’s steady play in the secondary helped anchor a defense that was often the backbone of the team. As fans watch them announce picks for the next generation of players, they’ll undoubtedly recall the impact these two had on the team and the game at large.

The NFL Draft: A Platform for the Next Generation

Day 2 of the NFL Draft is often when teams build the foundation for their future. It’s a critical moment when general managers and coaches make decisions that could reshape the trajectory of their franchises. By involving former players like Faneca and Bethea in the process, the league underscores the importance of experience and legacy, offering a reminder that the draft isn’t just about talent—it’s about continuity and growth.

This year, the involvement of these two former Cardinals players adds a unique twist to the festivities. Their wealth of knowledge and experience will not only help bring insight into the draft process but will also offer a more personal connection for fans and players alike. Their shared history with the Arizona Cardinals brings an extra layer of meaning to their involvement.

As they take the stage to announce the Day 2 picks, fans will get a glimpse of what it’s like to have been a part of the NFL’s long history—while also looking ahead to what the future holds for the next generation of players. For Alan Faneca and Antoine Bethea, it’s an opportunity to reflect on their own journeys and to pass the torch to the young men whose careers are just beginning.

The NFL Draft is a celebration of football, talent, and the future of the league. But by including former stars like Alan Faneca and Antoine Bethea in the process, it becomes more than just a selection event—it becomes a moment where the past and present collide. These two players, both of whom spent meaningful time with the Arizona Cardinals, will now help usher in the next wave of NFL talent, and in doing so, they will inspire the next generation of players to build on the legacy of those who came before them.

Their involvement in revealing Day 2 draft selections serves as a reminder that the NFL is not just about drafting the best talent—it’s about honoring the history of the game, and the players who helped shape it.